R. JAYASHREE AND N. VASUDEVAN
Abstract
Endosulfan, a member of chlorinated insecticide, is widely used in the Indian sub-continent. Commercial endosulfan is a mixture of two isomers namely alpha and beta endosulfan at 7:3 ratio with a vapour pressure of 9x10-3mm Hg. Endosulfan and its break down products are persistent in the environment with an estimated half-life of 9 months to 6 years. Endosulfan has been ubiquitously detected in atmosphere, soil, sediments and ground waters. Endosulfan affects the central nervous system, kidney, liver, blood chemistry and parathyroid gland and has reproductive tetragenic and mutagenic effects. Environmental issues are of increasing concern and research is now being directed to know the level of contamination and application of innovative technology to ameliorate the effects of pesticide pollution. Bioremediation which involves degradation of target chemicals by indigenous or added microbial cells is used to clean up sites contaminated by pollutants. This paper reviews the studies on bioremecliation of soil and water contaminated with endosulfan residues.